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RATS AMD MICE DESTRUCTION.
The Prevention of Damage "by Pests Act, 1949, places
upon the occupiers or, in certain circumstances the owners,
of land (including buildingss) the responsibility for the
destruction of rats and mice thereon and for keeping the
land free from such pests.
It is the duty of the Council to carry out inspections
to see that this is done, and to secure so far as practicable
that their district is kept free from rats and mice. where
necessary they may serve upon owners or occupiers notices
requiring them to take steps for this purpose and penalties
are laid down for failure to comply with such notices.
The policy of the Council is, however, to give such
assistance as is possible to the occupiers of private
dwelling houses. For that purpose they permit their own
small rodent control staff, who are primarily engaged to
deal with Corporation property (including sewers) to give
advice and practical help where appropriate, without charge
subject to the signing of the "Request for Treatment" form.
The Council is under no legal obligation to do this
and does not -undertake to provide a service for the
destruction of vermin, but allows its staff to help so far
as time permits.
Sixty-three schools, business and industrial premises
were treated by the Council's staff on payment of the
cost involved by the occupiers or owners concerned.
The figures which follow indicate the extent of
the work carried out during the year.
49.